An Exploration of the Perceptions and Experiences of People of South Asian Origin of Palliative Care Services in North Kirklees

The Centre for Health and Social Care Research at The University of Huddersfield was approached by the North Kirklees Primary Care Trust to undertake an exploratory study of the perceptions and experiences of people of South Asian origin (as the largest minority ethnic group) of palliative care services in North Kirklees. The study, funded by the Department of Health will be delivered by the University of Huddersfield.

The research was conducted across the North Kirklees Primary Care Trust. Ethical advice was provided by the University of Huddersfield Human and Health Sciences School Research Ethics Panel and ethical and research governance approval for the study was given by Wakefield District Research Ethics Committee and Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust Research & Development Department.

The aim of the research was to present an overview of current palliative care service provision; identify gaps in this provision; provide examples of good practice and a summary of the subjective understandings of service users, carers and community members from the South Asian community about the care of people with advanced incurable disease, at the end stages of life and their need for services.

It was furthermore anticipated that through the dissemination of the findings, this research would enhance the knowledge base of Palliative Health Care Professionals in relation to minority ethnic culture, knowledge, which may be applied to the subsequent development of culturally sensitive services.